At a talk with his Indian counterpart on October 13, Defence Minister Phung Quang Thanh requested that India sends its experts to Vietnam to help train Vietnam’s peace-keeping forces, which is about to be formed. At a talk with his Indian counterpart on October 13, Vietnamese Defence Minister Phung Quang Thanh requested that India sends its experts to Vietnam to help train Vietnam’s peace-keeping forces, which is about to be formed.

Vietnamese Defence Minister Phung Quang Thanh (first from the left) and his Indian counterpart.

Indian Defence Minister A.K.Antony congratulated Vietnam on its successful organisation of the ADMM+ and thanked Thanh and Vietnamese military staff for their warm welcome given to his delegation.

Minister Thanh said that India is experienced in navy, air force and officer training so Vietnam expects India to share its experience with Vietnam, particularly in transferring new defence technology and training of English, information technology and military officers.

He also said that Vietnam is willing to share information in some fields with India and to welcome Indian naval vessels to Vietnam for repairing, fueling and maintenance.

The two sides agreed to implement a Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation towards the goal of peace, stability and development in the region.

They also consented to promote exchange visits by military delegations, personnel training and to share experience in search and rescue operations and other issues of common concern.

“India will help Vietnam train its peace-keeping forces, establish a foreign language training centre, share and exchange experience and information in the fields of common interest like navy and air force,” the Indian Defence Minister said.

He also invited Minister Thanh to the Indian Air Force Exhibition 2011.

PV